MPhil International Relations
Study international relations at one of the world's top-3 universities (QS 2025). Oxford's DPIR combines rigorous IR theory with the recent history of world politics and original research, in a collegiate environment that produces diplomats, policymakers and scholars.
- ✓ Study at a university ranked 3rd in the world (and #1 globally for politics & IR) (QS 2026)
- ✓ Join Oxford's DPIR — the world's #1-ranked department for politics & international relations (High Fliers 2026)
- ✓ Qualify for the UK's 2-year Graduate Route post-study work visa
This MPhil gives you an advanced, research-led foundation in international relations — from IR theory and international security to global political economy and the recent history of world politics. You complete a supervised thesis on a specialised topic.
Graduates move into diplomacy, policy, international organisations, think tanks and doctoral research — and qualify for the UK's 2-year Graduate Route post-study work visa.
Same field, different universities
See how this programme compares with computer science master’s at other universities we work with.
| University | Country | Level | Duration | Tuition/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford ★ This programme | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 21 months | £37,100 |
| Jagiellonian QS ~300 | 🇵🇱 Poland | Master's | 2 years | €3,000 |
| Barcelona QS ~150 | 🇪🇸 Spain | Bachelor's | 4 years | €2,500 |
| Birmingham (LLM) QS #80 | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 1 year | £25,200 |
Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.
What you'll need
| Academic | Bachelor's (first-class / strong 2:1) in a relevant social-science subject — politics, IR, history, economics, law (GPA 3.5+) | |
| English | IELTS 7.5 (min 7.0 per component) or TOEFL 110 | |
| Documents | Transcripts, SOP, two references, passport | |
Not sure you meet these? We offer foundation and pre-master's pathways — your counsellor will find the right route.
Core modules
Career outcomes
Top 3
Oxford is #1 globally for Politics & International Studies
2-year visa
UK Graduate Route post-study work visa
95%
Employed or in further study within 6 months
Top employers
FCDO, United Nations, World Bank, think tanks, NGOs
Application timeline
Tuition fees & deposit
| Tuition (international) | Per annum | £37,100 |
| Financial guarantee | Proof of fees + living before CAS | Required |
| IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) | Per year | £776 |
Funding you may be eligible for
Oxford and the UK government offer strong scholarship options for international students. Your counsellor matches you with every award you qualify for.
Not sure which scholarships you qualify for? Your counsellor reviews every option and handles the applications — at no cost.
Alternative funding options
Covers tuition and living expenses for postgraduate students at top-ranked universities. No cosigner required; rates based on future earning potential.
Student Route visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. Note Oxford graduate terms are intensive; many students focus on research, internships at think tanks, and vacation placements.
Monthly budget in Oxford
Oxford's official estimate for a single graduate student is £1,405–£2,105 per month. Accommodation is the largest cost; many students live in college or university housing.
UKVI maintenance requirement: £1,023/month (outside London) for 9 months — Oxford's actual living costs are higher, so budget accordingly.
Visa requirements for the UK
| Visa type | Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4) | |
| CAS required | Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from Oxford | |
| Financial proof | £1,023/month × 9 months = £9,207 (outside London) | |
| Health surcharge (IHS) | £776/year — covers NHS access | |
| Visa fee | £490 (standard processing) | |
| Post-graduation | 2-year Graduate Route visa — work in any role | |
Your counsellor guides you through the full visa process — from CAS letter to biometrics appointment.
Hear from our students
"Oxford's MPhil in IR was the most rigorous two years of my life — the tutorials, the thesis, the people. It set me up for a role at an international organisation. My counsellor guided the whole application and visa."
"The Oxford college system gave me a community from day one, and the DPIR network is extraordinary. It's competitive, but my counsellor made the application and visa completely stress-free."
Frequently asked questions
Ready to apply to Oxford?
Start your free application with a counsellor who knows this programme inside out.